in the picture

from the archive

Magazine

Jun 16, 2015

On June 16th 1815 Napoleon achieved his last victory during the Battle Of Ligny. Only days later he would meet his Waterloo. To celebrate these historic events, which shaped present day Europe, re-enactments of the battles are begin held.
Samson, 47, a lawyer originally from Orleans, has been chosen to take on the title role of Napoleon during the commemorations for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo in Belgium on June 19 and 20.

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Frenchman Samson visits the French troops' bivouac while taking part in the re-enactment as French Emperor Napoleon as part of the bicentennial celebrations for the Battle of Waterloo, in Ligny YVES HERMAN/REUTERS